Journalistic-Digital-Storytelling

‘Family’ Photo Exhibit: August 21-22, 2009

July 29, 2009

I’m a caucasian mother… my child is Korean with black hair, black eyes, olive skin… but beyond the physical differences, we are family.

Photo-journalist Rosa Park brings her selection of images, reflecting on the concept of ‘family’ among adopted children and their families, to an exhibit at the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea on August 21-22, 2009. Her photos are set against the enchanting Korean landscape amidst a group of eight Canadian families on a two-week cultural experience.

From June 13-27, Park, a volunteer at the Korean Canadian Children’s Association, documented the experiences of the Korean-born children and their Canadian parents as they learned about Korean culture, history and tradition. With the generous help of a sponsoring company in Korea, the group travelled the country, tracing roots and participating in the lifestyle of everyday Koreans. The journey was especially moving for some of the older adoptees who reunited with their biological mother.

By the end, all families were able to say ‘Gamsahapnida’ – ‘ Thank you’ in Korean.

Of the over 3000 images captured during this journey, a select few will be on display at the exhibit benefiting the Korean Canadian Children’s Association (www.kccato.com). The KCCA is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the needs of Canadian adoptive families with Korean children. All proceeds from the photo exhibit will be donated to the KCCA’s annual summer camp activities.